Washington State

In 1853 as more and more people arrived in the northwest after travelling along the Oregon Trail, those settling north of the Columbia River were granted a new territory named for the nation’s first president. Washington Territory became the 42nd state in the U. S. on November 11, 1889.

Washington State ranks 13th in population among the 50 states and its geography ranges from the sea coast in the west to mountain ranges, volcanos, forests and a semi-arid basin in the east. Manufacturing, shipping, logging and agricultural businesses are prominent in the state.

The Puget Sound area contains the third largest U. S. Navy presence in the country. When commissioned, USS Washington (SSN 787) will be the third ship to bear the state name and honor the state’s citizens and strong legacy of service.

Photo: Naval Base Kitsap is the third-largest Navy base in the United States, serving as homeport for both surface ships and submarines. Photo by U.S. Navy